Governor signs bill allowing 'common consumption'areas

Years of behind-the-scenes work to create entertainment districts in Topeka’s downtown and NOTO Arts District areas that allow people to consume alcohol outside of bars and restaurants paid off Wednesday when Gov. Sam Brownback signed legislation changing state law.

Brownback signed Substitute for House Bill 2277, which creates what the legislation calls “common consumption” areas. Topeka leaders have been lobbying to create such districts since at least 2008, with hopes that they will add to the entertainment possibilities downtown and in NOTO.

Vince Frye, who leads Downtown Topeka Inc., said the state legislation will make it possible to create new permanent districts, rather than forcing groups to apply for a permit each time they want to host an event.

“Getting a permit for every event takes time, money, barricades and usually council approval,” he said. “A permanent entertainment district would alleviate much of the red tape.”